Link for USMC Aircraft/Helo Weapons

[Suhiir]

On a related subject...

The V5.0 USMC OOB lists the V-22 Osprey (should be MV-22B btw) has a heavy helo (unit #650, Unit Class = 205 Heavy Helicopter).

The MV-22B will replace the CH-46 Sea Knight class MEDIUM helicopters not the CH-53 Sea Stallion class HEAVY helicopters. The newest version (CH-53K Sea Dragon) is expected to be in service for the foreseeable future.

http://www.usmc.mil/unit/3rdmaw/Page...ASMiramar.aspx

http://www.dodbuzz.com/2010/04/29/wh...lowing-ch-53k/

http://www.newriver.usmc.mil/AirCraft/V-22.htm

"MV-22s will be deployed to all Marine Corps medium lift active duty and reserve tactical squadrons, the medium lift training squadron (FRS), and the executive support squadron (HMX)."

04/29/10
"The CH-53K is steadily eating away at the V-22 Osprey market. In late 2009, the Marine Corps decided to go with the CH-53Ks to replace their 40-year old CH-53D fleet (MV-22 Ospreys were originally slated to replace the CH-53D)."

And on the subject of MV-22B armament :

06/15/09
"The U.S. Marine Corps MV-22 squadron preparing to deploy to Afghanistan in the third or fourth quarter of this year is now flight testing a turreted gun to beef-up the aircraft’s fire-power. The Bell/Boeing MV-22 unit is likely to be deployed to Camp Bastion in the Helmand region as part of the U.S.’s ramp-up of forces in the country.
The BAE Systems turret uses a GAU-17, 7.62mm cal. mini-gun in the belly or “hell hole” of the tiltrotor aircraft. USMC Lt. Gen. George J. Trautman III, deputy commandant for aviation, says some “basic” testing work is now being carried out by the squadron, and that next month will see full operational tests. Trautman is “fairly confident we’ll meet the fall objective.” Along with the turreted gun, the USMC is also qualifying a 50-cal. weapon for the ramp station. The MV-22 now includes an optional M240 on the ramp. Air Force Special Operations forces are now training to use the 50-cal. gun on their CV-22 fleet because it provides superior coverage for the back of the aircraft."

http://www.tactical-life.com/online/.../06/osprey.gif

http://www.guncopter.com/mv-22-osprey/

[Hermit]

With regard to the Osprey belly-mount minigun, see the following:

http://defensetech.org/2010/05/28/st...y-gatling-gun/

Looks like its not likely to be used anytime soon, although the night-vision capability will be. Seems the sideways mounting of the operator console causes a problem. Gee, why don't they mount it facing forward?

[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

I guess the AH-1Z has been around for at least three years according to this article concerning the new TSS contract. The article indicates 16 units were delivered in 2007. Maybe time to look at the COBRA based on these last few posts, I only "report" on the info the technical stuff I trust to you guys to evaluate.
http://www.defpro.com/news/details/16198/
Regards,
Pat

[Suhiir]

As with the majority of equipment upgrade/replacement projects the USMC does it's a slow-rate-of-progress thing.
Joys of a limited budget